Catholic Tech Talk

Since Google+’s launch, I’ve been a big fan of it.  It’s often misunderstood as “just another social network” in my opinion, because it’s actually far more than that.  And it’s not at all a simple “apples to apples” comparison with Facebook.  Facebook definitely has benefits to opening up new communication avenues for parishes and the Church [...]

For those who has gotten involved in integrating tech within your parish, you probably know all too well that it can be easy to get overwhelmed and get distracted.  I know for one that I can tend to want to do it all . . . right away.  And my plans at times have been [...]

One of my favorite Catholic rituals is the candle lighting at the Easter Vigil.  A few years ago I witnessed this event in a somewhat large parish from a balcony.  The whole worship space was pitch black.  In comes the newly lit Pascal Candle down the main aisle.  Candles of those in the pews on [...]

I truly have become a big fan of social networks such as Facebook and Google+ for parishes.  These systems allow for our faith communities to become connected and a part of everyday lives like never before.  One of the things I love about them is event sharing and keeping photos of events for everyone to [...]

You’ve probably heard about the potential benefits for your parish.  You’ve read about it here.  You’ve heard me say it.  Even some Bishops are tweeting.  The Facebook thing looks great.  Google+ looks interesting.  So you and the Pastor decide to give it a go.  You set up all the accounts, do your customization, you tweet, you [...]

The Parish Website is becoming more and more common.  Most parishioners think the parish needs one, and most Pastors want one.  I’m a firm believer that every parish should have a website.  It’s my firm belief that the parish website’s purpose is to serve as a community hub and 24/7 extension of your parish office. [...]

So Google+ Pages went live this past week.  Someone in your parish office or a parishioner might even suggested that your parish set one up.  Then the thought comes to your mind, “Well, we have that Facebook page they told us we should get; why do we need another one somewhere else?”  Good question, and [...]

As most know, Google+ launched a while ago and one thing I have particularly loved about it is the strong Catholic user presence on the service.  Up until yesterday the service lacked the ability for organizations and brands to have their own “page” like Facebook Pages.  So the announcement yesterday was very welcome news.  I [...]

Yes, I’m an Android user.  One of the first things I looked for was Catholic Apps for Android and found several, but we’ll focus on two here. The first is Catholic One by Aycka Soft.  This free app provides users with: Daily readings Prayers Rosary Access to the NAB Bible (when online only) Aycka Soft has been [...]

Among the top questions I’m asked when speaking with parishes about private social networks is “Why not just use Facebook”. Public networks like Facebook are extremely popular to say the least. Setting up a company or personal page is easy and free. The ability to reach people and share information is direct and simple. Parishes [...]

As someone who works full-time in support of helping parishes increase their ability to communicate and engage their parishioners, I am all too often confronted with the lack of familiarity and use of technology by parishes. It is infrequent, even at some of the larger and more financially blessed parishes, that I find a strong [...]

“Then David gave to his son Solomon the pattern of the portico and of the building itself, with its storerooms, its upper rooms and inner chambers, and the room with the propitiatory.” (1 Chronicles 28:11) Technology and it’s uses within our parishes can be confusing.  It is often approached from what we should do, but [...]